Why would anyone on this thread be paying such a large restaurant bill in cash?
I don't go out of my way to accommodate fussy cashiers or waitresses who balk at taking €50 or €100. I got burned once by someone seeing I had smaller notes. Now I make it clear it's all I have except credit cards, so either play ball or don't get paid. I am not unreasonable about it - I wouldn't do this to a street vendor - but when you're a full service restaurant you have enough change for the weekend. Keep in mind this is after I was turned away at the hotel reception because they needed to make change over the weekend. Larger chain hotels in big cities will usually change notes, but if you're in a smaller city or non-Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Holiday Inn type they're more reluctant.